Tab Benoit – Fever For the Bayou

Benoit has a feel and authenticity to his playing. His records always bring a smile of familiarity to my face when I first hear them, like an old coat that you haven’t worn since last winter. When you put it on, you remember everything you love about it.

That recognition means you won’t be surprised. “Night Train” is a good-old-fashioned blues-rock tune with a stomping solo from Tab. The electric country-blues of “Little Girl Blues” is made for his herky-jerky Tele playing. Anyone who knows Tab’s background understands you’ll hear some bayou music on his records. The title cut here is one of those Louisiana stompers. Check out the solo. Country meets the blues at a swampy crossroads. Great stuff. Fine chordal soloing and double-stops drive the soul of “Lost In Your Lovin’.” Louisiana makes an encore appearance on the Zydeco of “Golden Crown.” Tab turns the Freddie King chestnut “I Can’t Hold Out” into his own by switching it to a boogie. If you think Tab’s not a good blues player, check out the solo on that one.

If you, too, love that familiar feel, get this. A fine player and singer mixing country, blues, and zydeco into a fun Southern musical stew.

This article originally appeared in VG‘s June ’05 issue. All copyrights are by the author and Vintage Guitar magazine. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.